From "aid conditionality" to "engaging differently": How development policy tries to cope with fragile states

Abstract

The article outlines recent changes in the development policy approach towards fragile states. Central to this new approach is a greater sensitivity towards the conditions in the partner country and a greater focus on change agents and turnaround situations. This approach has revitalised the concept of state-building. The article claims that the current understanding of the term is too narrow and offers an outline of the concept of 'embedded state-building' which recognises the societal context of political reform. This approach offers the greatest possibility of success in 'difficult environments'.